Community Remembers Viola Fletcher, Oldest Known Survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre

Tulsans and individuals worldwide gathered to honor Viola Fletcher, the oldest known survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre, who passed away at the age of 111. Two memorial services were held on Saturday, one in Bartlesville and another at the Greenwood Cultural Center, where attendees wore all white to celebrate her life and legacy. Fletcher, born in 1914, was a child living in Black Wall Street during the tragic events of 1921.

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Tulsa Mayor Monroe Nichols reflected on Fletcher's extraordinary life, emphasizing her role as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. He described the Tulsa Race Massacre as “one of the darkest chapters in our city’s history” and acknowledged Fletcher's significant contributions to the community. Nichols noted that her legacy has influenced initiatives such as the Greenwood Trust and the release of previously undisclosed documents related to the massacre.

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Fletcher's impact extended beyond her lifetime; she brought national attention to the emotional toll of the massacre through her testimony before the U.S. Congress. In her testimony, she recounted the violence inflicted by a white mob and the devastating loss of her community, stating, “When we left our home, we lost everything—our homes, our churches, our newspapers, our theaters, our lives.” Her words highlighted the enduring trauma experienced by survivors and their families.

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During the memorial services, attendees celebrated Fletcher's life and the lessons it imparts. Mayor Nichols urged the community to learn from her experiences, stating, “That age, income, education, none of those are barriers to doing the right thing, to advocating for what’s right. That is the true legacy of Mother Fletcher.”

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As the only remaining survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre, Lessie Benningfield Randle, who recently turned 111, now carries the weight of this history. The Fletcher family has requested that donations be made to the Viola Ford Fletcher Foundation in lieu of flowers, ensuring that her legacy continues to inspire future generations.

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• “I will never forget the violence of the white mob. When we left our home, we lost everything—our homes, our churches, our newspapers, our theaters, our lives,” — Viola Fletcher

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• “I would tell everybody to learn from her life,” — Mayor Monroe Nichols

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Viola Fletcher's story, marked by resilience and advocacy, serves as a powerful reminder of the past and a call to action for the future. Her legacy will be remembered and honored as the community continues to reflect on the impact of the Tulsa Race Massacre.

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